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Comment by superconduct123 | Hacker News Reader

Anyone else feel like real-time strategy games with full 3D just never look as good as old 2D ones?

I think its something about the perspective warping of the 3D camera that makes 3D RTS games look weird to me

It's largely about pattern detection in our brains. If the pixels always look the same, it's easier to spot them. For many people graphics in a video game are a secondary addition but the decision making is uncontested priority; modern 3D graphics get in the way by making everything less readable.

With 3D, you get unlimited amount of angles to view with less detail compared to 2D, a detailed well designed angle (or 2, or 3).

I completely agree. To me, it's the same with adventure, and platformer games and 2D. I think the key is symbolism. In 2D, graphics are more about communicating intent, 3D is more for realism - or maybe this is just the trap they fall into, because there are highly stylized 3D games as well, as well as technically-3D-but-actually-2D games.

Couldn't agree more. To me 3D environment in games is frustrating to control / move around while 2D is straightforward. And I truly don't care about camera movement. Games are meant to be fun, not a chore with adjusting camera all the time.

I agree in general.

but on a tangent, just wanted to add how impressed in was at super Mario 3D world on the Nintendo switch. Perfect balance between good looking and pragmatic 3D graphics adding up to real platformer feel.

Happy to hear that! Have you also played Fall Guys? How do they compare? I haven't played platformers for two decades now, but looking at the Mario screenshots, I got an immediate Fall Guys feeling.

I alsi feel this way about point n' click adventure games. Something about pre-rendered graphics that makes me feel great.

absolutely, and I don't think it's due to our nostalgic-tinted glasses. Not everything has to be 3D.

I was so mad when they made Warcraft into 3D. It looked childish and killed the vibe entirely for me

Yeah, I think new games in style of the old Warcraft games would be a huge success.

*sad Homeworld noises*

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